Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The doors swung open as Rouge pattered in, breathing heavy as she scanned over the faces that looked at her with startled expressions. In the main lobby of G.U.N. headquarters many agents wandered around, but all froze as she stumbled in. Her eyes are not meeting the ones she’s been searching for. Glancing over her shoulder she slammed her foot down earning everyone's attention. 

“If you don’t want to meet the wrath of an angry hedgehog you better all scatter. Quickly.” She called. She then fluttered up and took off into the building. Twirling and swerving around agents as they hustled through the building. Landing before the general's office she pushed open the door and panted heavily. 

“Agent Rouge-” he scoffed. 

“Look you can yell at me later, where is Shadow?” She asked. 

“Shadow? What-” 

“Just answer my question!” 

There was a loud and trembling clatter. Sonic stepped through the broken and shattered doors of the facility. His eye twitched scanning over the agents that made space for him as he stepped through the dust. 

“Where… is… my… husband?” he growled. 

“Sonic- he’s not here.” an agent stepped up to him. Sonic snapped to him and gripped the collar of his shirt. 

“Get him here. Now!” Sonic barked. 

He released his grip before crumpling to the floor in a sputtered groan. Curling into a ball and clawing onto the tiled floor. A louder anguished cry echoed off the floor, hands curling to the swell of his stomach. Rouge had returned to take his side and brush down the spine of his back. She glanced back up to the eyes on them, she grew furious. 

“You heard him! Find Shadow.” She hissed. 

Then everything went into panic mode, everyone scrambling to find where Shadow had gone. Or how to get a hold of him. He wasn’t supposed to be away this long, and he promised he’d be here when the time came. Once the time came he was gone, and no one knew where he was. Or how to get ahold of him. 

“We have to get you to the hospital hon.” Rouge spoke up. 

There was another wave that washed through Sonic's body, “He promised, he promised he’d be here.” 

“I know, I know hon. But for the sake of you-” 

Sonic sat up with tears in his eyes, having Rouge halt her convincing. The seconds felt like hours until someone had ran through the lobby, slipping and picking themselves back up again. 

“I can’t make much contact, what do you want me to tell him?” the agent asked. 

“Hi- Hibuscus.” Sonic panted looking up at them. They nodded before turning to their walkie talkie. 

“Tell him hibiscus.” they spoke. 

“Hibiscu-” 

“Just do it!” 

“Right away… I guess.” 

Sonic howled, arching over again, wailing onto the floor. Rouge soothed his quills looking to the agent in hopes that they’d get a response. She dipped down to get to Sonic’s eye level breathing heavily out his nose, drawing over his gaze she cupped his face brushing away the tears. 

“They got a hold of him, we should meet him at the hospital.” Rouge nodded. 

“I want him here, I want my husband.” Sonic hiccuped. 

“I know honey, I know. We are doing everything we can. I’m sure Shadow is coming. Just for his sake.. We should go.” 

“But-” 

“He’d kill us both if we don’t go now.” 

Sonic sighed as he weakly got up onto his feet. Rouge wrapped an arm over her shoulders as Sonic took labored breaths. There was static on the radio from the agent who quickly fumbled with it. 

“Repeat that.” they called. Pressing the radio to their ear they looked to the others. Eyes filled with worry as they listened carefully. 

“He’s on his way, I will make sure he gets to you.” they nodded. 

Sonic mouthed a thank you before there was a loud honking outside. Amy sat in a car outside and smiled, waving them inside. 

Taking a slow breath, peering through the scope to the robotic creature following its programmed pace. Ruby eyes studied it for a bit before pressing the trigger and a bullet shot it square in the head, reloading the gun and spitting out its shell as he peered through the scope once more. Taking his place on top of a ruined building, dust wisping around the robotic form that crumpled to the ground. Taking another slow breath out his lips he followed to the next. 

“Shadow- sir.” 

Releasing the trigger he almost missed earning his gaze to slowly turn to the voice that interrupted his focus. He snarled to the opossum that saluted him. 

“What is so important that you had to interrupt me?” Shadow snarled. He huffed turning back to his gun, shucking its shell from its barrel. 

“We got a call from headquarters, does… Hibiscus mean anything to you?” they asked. 

He was on his feet and gripping tightly to the cadet, “What did you say?” 

“They wanted me to tell you hibiscus, sir… I don’t understand.” 

“When did they tell you this?” 

“Erm. Like five to ten minutes ago.” 

Shadow let go and started to pack up his stuff, shoving his guns and ammo into a large duffle bag. The opossum watched as he muttered to himself and quickly gathered his things, then in an instant he passed the bag off and was heading down the stairs. Shadow quick to blip in and out of existence heading to the rest of his team. Omega hissed his attention to him as Shadow approached him. 

“I have to go, will you take care of things for me?” Shadow asked. 

“Affirmative. Your presence is taken to your counterpart? The floral code has been initiated?” Omega whirled his question. 

“Yes, I have to go. Return home safe my friend.” 

Then Shadow was gone. 

He stepped up to the hospital, tracking everyone who had already gathered here. Quickly heading inside, Rouge and Amy held onto each other looking at the double set of doors. Worry was dripping down their cheeks, taking shallow breaths as if there wasn’t enough air for them all. Shadow approached where they both had snapped to his attention and gripped onto him. Both spewing words of worry and anxieties. Something was wrong but Shadow couldn’t figure it out with them both talking over each other. 

“Alright, alright. One at a time.” Shadow hissed, “What happened?” 

“He’s refusing to push, they’ve been trying. We’ve tried. But he just kicked us out.” Rouge spoke. 

“The baby won’t last much longer if he keeps being stubborn, Shadow you have to do something.” Amy cut in. 

“I will take care of it. Just. Breathe.” Shadow spoke. 

Then pushed through down the hall and through the double set of doors, ears flicking around to find at least his familiar voice. Walking down the halls he peered into other mothers and doctors when there was a familiar shout at the very end. One of the nurses scurried out with a bowl and rag. His steps quickened to reach the end of the hall and push through. 

“Sonic please you have-” 

“I won’t do anything until my husband gets here!” Sonic snarled, reaching for whatever he could get his hands on. His breath hitched before crying out a blood curdling scream and clutched onto the bed. Shadow moved carefully through the nurses and doctors who were ready to take things into their own hands. Shadow approached as Sonic bit through another wave of pain. Brushing over his peach cheek Sonic snapped open his eyes and looked to Shadow. 

“I’m here,” he said. 

Sonic’s lip quivered before he started to bawl crying, “You son of a bitch! You can’t do this to me!” 

“I know, I know. You have other things to worry about than being mad at me. You gotta push my dear.” Shadow cupped his face. Sonic bit his lip, lip trembling between his teeth. 

“I can’t. I’m scared.” Sonic whimpered. 

“Sit up. I’m here.” 

“Uh Sir-” 

Shadow shot a threatening glare at one of the nurses as Sonic groaned sitting up. Shadow crawled in behind him. Curling around him and resting his chin on his shoulder, peppering his cheek and neck in kisses. 

“My husband doesn’t get scared.” Shadow purred, “You can do this, you’ve fought aliens in space, saved the world countless of times, broken and bled over your friends and loved ones. My husband is very brave and can do anything. Now, my dear. You have one last fight to finish. You aren’t alone, we all are here. I just need you to push.” 

Sonic looked to him as Shadow pressed a kiss to his temple, taking his hand he rested back into Shadow. He glanced up to the nurses and doctors all ready for what's to come next. Taking a sharp shaken breath he gritted through his teeth. Squeezing with all his might around Shadow’s hand as he gargled and bubbled a broken cry. A tight pressure pushing through him before he slumped into Shadow’s form. 

“I’m so proud of you.” Shadow purred, kissing his forehead once more. 

“Easy for you to say.” Sonic grumbled. 

“We need one more big push, you're almost there.” 

Shadow glanced at the doctor then back to Sonic, wrapping his arm tighter over his chest and holding him closer. Sonic practically dripping in sweat, a nurse stepped up to blot his face in a cool rag in which he hummed in. Shadow rumbled a laughter into his neck. He gave a slight nod settling in Shadow’s embrace and groaned, pushing once more. A low hiss rippled from his chest as he pressed further. Then he went slack as there was a loud cry. Ruby eyes perked up to a towel splattered in blood and damp being taken to the other side of the room. 

“Heh… I’d like to see the ultimate lifeform do that.” Sonic gave a weak laugh. 

"And maybe this once I’ll let you hold that over me.” Shadow purred, wrapping both arms around him. The nurse returned blotting his face with the cool damp cloth. He gave a hummed sigh fully relaxing into Shadow. Lacing his hands into Shadow’s and curling into his neck. 

“Hear that Maria, I’m better than the ultimate lifeform.” Sonic mumbled. 

“And she’d be just as proud of you.” Shadow practically vibrates his purrs into Sonic’s side. Nuzzling against each other, Sonic stiffened as the nurses cleaned him up. Groaning, he curled into Shadow. 

“Love. Look.” Shadow nudged him to look on the other side of him. Sonic rolled his head to one of the doctors. Bundled in a floral blanket with many different paw colors on it. His ears perked up as emerald eyes watched little paws poke through the blanket. 

“You have a healthy baby boy.” He spoke. 

Passing the bundle off, ruby and emerald eyes gazed down to the two large amber eyes staring back at them. Shadow furrowed, turning to the doctor. 

“Are you sure this is our baby?” he asked. 

“Shadow.” Sonic snarled glaring at him. 

“With mobian DNA, especially mixed with your black arms DNA. It’s not uncommon for there to be some physical differences in offspring from parents. Perhaps, there’s someone in your family tree that was silver with yellow eyes.” 

Sonic held a smug smirk looking at Shadow, sticking his tongue out at him then back to their child. 

“Perhaps a name?” The doctor asked. Sonic’s smug expression dropped, turning to Shadow. They never really sat down to come up with a name. Their eyes turned back to the silver hedgehog already staring back at them. Gripping onto the blanket that surrounded him. 

“What are we going to call you?” Shadow hummed. 

“I think Chili-” 

Shadow shot him a glare, having Sonic snap his jaw shut. Returning his gaze to the little pup, he now bared Shadow’s glare. Furrowing his little face and pouting slightly. 

“And you were worried he wasn’t your son.” Sonic snickered. 

“Silver… Silver the hedgehog.” Shadow hummed. 

“Silver? I mean..” Sonic let his name roll off his tongue. Amber eyes lit up as he squealed in his arms. 

“You like that little man? I mean you're already silver.” Sonic hummed. 

“Silver, the hero of the future.” Shadow purred. 

“Ah! The heroes of the past, the present, and the future. I like it. It's a real S class.” 

Shadow rolled his eyes, returning his gaze back to the pup in arms. Reaching out he held out his finger, Silver took hold and squealed holding onto him. Then stuck his finger in his mouth, Shadow pulled away. Grumbling that he should have washed his hands before coming in here. His gaze perked up to two figures in the corner of the room, one dull grey eye as the other glowing red. And a set of amber eyes, they hid in the shadows of the delivery room. 

Silver let out a big gummy yawn before settling in Sonic’s arms. He smiled, holding him closer and looked at Shadow. His attention wasn’t on them anymore, but to the corner of the room. As Sonic turned to look where his attention was, there was a glimmer of light. He turned back to Shadow with concern in his eyes. 

“What’s wrong?” Sonic asked, “Trouble?” 

“No.. No.. I just. Imagining things.” Shadow hummed, he looked to Silver curled up in the blanket and sighed softly. 

“You think he’s gonna have powers like us?” Sonic asked. 

“Maybe our powers cancel out and he has none.” Shadow chuckled. 

“Oh! Or he’s gonna be super powerful with both our powers combined.” 

“You're delirious, you should probably rest.” 

Stepping through the portal. The figures made their long walk through the dying forest. Kicking up leaves and breaking twigs in their path. Right in the middle of it all, there was a small home, still kept in the best condition that it could be. Pushing open the door they stepped inside, as the door shut behind them. One dropped to the floor with a broken sob. Pulling off his cloak Silver took to the other’s side, hands hesitating where to place to help sooth the other. 

“I shouldn’t of taken you, I’m sorry it’s my fault-” 

“No.” the other gruffed out, “I needed to see him again.” 

Pulling off his hood he turned to Silver, Shadow of the future greying, missing the color of his other eye, and many…. many scars littering his body. He reached out to embrace his son and held him close. Silver melted into his embrace and hugged him back. 

“Your father may not walk with us anymore, but. His spirit is alive in the breeze and the russell of the trees. As long as we have each other, I think we will be ok.” Shadow hummed. 

Silver glanced up to the two spirits sitting behind them. Sonic reached out to brush over his cheek then give a playful flick of his nose. Beside him was a woman, she had a smile that warmed your heart. Silver assumed to be Maria. 

“Yea. I think we’ll be ok.” Silver smiled.

Chapter Text

Sonic slowly rubbed the back of the ebony hedgehog, incasing him with his limbs. Today was June 13th. A weighted day for Shadow to live. As of this day, was the day Shadow lost Maria. Allowing himself to grieve just for the day, extra sleep just to pass over the horrid day. Tucking himself away into his lover’s arms, the place he knew he’d be safe. 

Sonic perked up when something clawed up onto the bed, fanned out silver quills struggled to climb up. He chuckled, reaching over and pulling the hoglet up onto the bed. Amber eyes gleaming and a wide smile on his face, until his eyes narrowed to Shadow. His features softened, Shadow’s face scrunched curling tighter to Sonic. Silver looked to his father who sighed brushing over his husband’s quills. 

“Today is going to be a lay in bed all day kinda day.” Sonic sighed, “Come here.” 

Silver climbed over Shadow as Sonic lifted his arm up and pulled the hoglet between them. Silver giggled as his parents nuzzled against him, he pawed at Shadow’s face soothing a bit of his furrow. Cracking open a ruby eye to the little life between them, he smiled softly. 

“Are you sad, father?” he asked. Shadow gave a slight nod and shut his eyes once more. Silver frowned looking at Sonic in hopes he’d give some light to the sorrowful subject. 

“Your pops… lost his best friend a very long time ago today. He’s just missing her a little extra today.” Sonic hummed. 

“Oh.” Silver mumbled. 

“So it’s our job to take extra care of him today. You think you can do that?” Sonic grinned. 

Silver nodded quickly and curled up tight into Shadow’s chest. Pawing at his chest fluff he hummed a soft tune. Furrowing he glanced up to Shadow, his face still hardened and breathing slowly. 

“We could go see her, would that make you feel better?” Silver asked. 

“Silver-” Sonic sighed. 

“I can control it better now, I can take us back in time… You could see her again!” Silver nodded, “We’d just have to be careful not to meddle too much in the timeline.” 

Shadow had opened his eyes at this point, the idea of seeing her again knotted a fuzzy feeling in his chest. Sonic smiled looking at Shadow, cupping his face as his eyes were lost to the thought of seeing Maria again. It was a risk. That this timeline he currently lived in would be jeopardized, or. Remain just the same. As long as they were careful. His eyes narrowed to the hogglet wagging his little tail at him. Glowing hands on his chest with a wide grin. 

“There was some time, I wasn’t present on the Ark. I was whisked away for some… tests.” Shadow grimaced, “I think that would be a place to start.” 

Silver grinned shuffling out of bed and patted out of the room. Sonic shook his head and hummed, turning back to Shadow. He had a lost expression, a wish that finally he’d be able to indulge in. A hand pressed to his cheek grounding him, drawing in his ruby gaze. Holding within a glimpse of hope. 

“What are you laying around for, Silver’s already getting ready.” Sonic hummed, “Have you changed your mind?” 

“No.. just… thinking.” Shadow mumbled. 

“Think later, you got a special someone to meet.” Sonic snickered, pulling Shadow up. Pulling on their gloves and socks, Sonic took his hand as they left their room down to the living room. Sonic slid on his shoes while Shadow took slower movements to slide on his air shoes. Silver soon met them down there, stuffing his little hands into his gloves. Tripping over the last step, Sonic was there to catch him. 

“Slow down whirl wind, don’t want you to hurt yourself.” Sonic smiled. 

“I’m just so excited! We get to go on an adventure.” Silver beamed. 

“Silver.” Shadow spoke, drawing the attention of the two. Shadow adjusted his gloves and brushed through his quills. 

“You have to understand, this isn’t going to be a play type of adventure. If we are caught… I don’t know what the doctor would do. Especially if he finds out about both of your powers. Do you understand me?” Shadow huffed, “We have to be careful." 

Silver nodded, when Shadow’s gaze drew to his husband's. Sonic gave an appalled gasp, putting a hand to his chest. 

“Are you accusing me of not being careful?” He asked. 

“Yes.” 

Sonic scoffed, “It's for your sake, I’ll behave.” 

Silver was passed off to Shadow, he smiled wagging his little tail. Shadow nuzzled his little face, playful giggles erupted from the pup. Shadow rumbled pulling back and nodded, the pup drew a sharp breath placing a hand to Shadow’s head and the other to Sonic’s. Teal started to wrap around them and float slowly. Silver shut his eyes and they were transported. 

Sonic groaned slumping to the metal floor, Shadow to his side brushing through his quills. Nausea washed over him over the sudden motion or teleportation, and now time travel. Silver gasped curling up next to him, worry crawling up his features. Shadow stroked his head, snapping his attention to his father. 

“Unlike you and I, your father gets a little sick when he’s teleported.” Shadow hushed. 

“Oh.” Silver hummed. 

“We will be ok, you go find her.” Sonic grumbled, “I’m just going to lay here for a minute.” 

“I’m not leaving you out here in the open.” Shadow scoffed. 

Before Sonic could object, he was already scooped up into Shadow’s side. Slumping into his shoulder, Shadow took Silver’s hand and crept along the long metal halls of the ark. Peering around corners and bolting across the open halls, opening a door at the far end of the hall he peaked inside. An empty medical ward, he pinned his ears back and scowled. 

“I think you both will be safe here.” Shadow spoke. 

Setting Sonic into one of the beds, he placed a soft kiss to his lips before pulling Silver onto the bed with him. Silver smiled, holding his little hands up to him. Leaning down to the touch of his son, Silver nuzzled his nose with his and squishing his cheeks. 

"Be careful pops, I’ll keep an eye on papa.” He nodded. 

“I’m indebted to you my son.” Shadow hummed. Taking his little hands and kissing his palms, he then took his leave. Taking one last glance, Silver had crawled under Sonic’s arm and curled up with him. He smiled softly leaving the room and headed down the hall. Still cautious as he roamed the ark. Knowing these walls as if just yesterday he was here. He poked his head into windows, seeing more doctors and other scientists Shadow huffed slinking through the halls. He perked up to a woman of golden hair looking out the main window. Her arms crossed behind her back, fiddling with her fingers. Shadow took slow steps swallowing thickly. When she suddenly felt his presence and glanced over her shoulder. Shadow immediately stopped breathing, her sapphire eyes narrowed to him and smiled wide. 

“Oh Shadow! Your back.” She grinned. 

He was frozen, unblinking and barely breathing. Maria giggled, stepping up to him, when her expression softened and knelt down to him. Studying his face Shadow took a hesitant step backwards. 

“Whats the matter, you look like you just saw a ghost.” She giggled. 

Cocking her head she smiled softly and held out her hand to him. He glanced at her hand then back to her… Maria. Alive. Right before him. Unaware of her fate and Shadow had witnessed it. And in this current time, he’d witness it too. His eyes fell back to her hand and cautiously took her hand. Shadow let out a slow breath as tears began to overwhelm him. She was here. Alive. Holding his hand. She giggled, pulling him in for a big hug. Shadow couldn’t help the overwhelming bubble of emotion and started sobbing into the neck of her dress. Maria sat shushing him and stroking through his quills. Gripping onto the blue fabric of her dress, as if he let go he’d lose her again. 

“Did grandpa’s testing be too much? That’s ok, you can try again tomorrow.” Maria hummed. She held him until his voice was hoarse and bore no more tears. Hiccuping in her lap he palmed the tears on his cheeks. She cupped his chin and searched his eyes, pulling a soft smile Maria pressed her forehead to his. 

“You aren’t my Shadow are you?” She asked. 

“No, Maria- I.” Shadow choked. 

“No, no, don’t explain. I’m sure you were my Shadow at one point. But, my Shadow is still being tested.” She brushed away anymore tears threatening to fall, “You wear a lot of grief in your eyes, and something else.” 

Maria pursed her lips tapping a finger to her lips. Shadow sniffled, curious of what she’d been thinking. Maria had always been so smart, he should have known that she’d figure something was off with him. Her eyes searched him, when she gasped, grabbing his hand and looking at his wedding ring. Shadow growled mentally, the dead give away. 

“You got married?!” Maria grinned, “You fell in love? Shadow you have to tell me everything, I won’t tell a soul I promise.” 

Shadow looked at her, brimming with excitement. She bit her bottom lip holding his hand tighter. How could he refuse, standing he took her out into the halls. Trailing back to the medical bay, he poked inside, but the room was empty. He sighed pushing the door open and Maria peaked inside. 

“Idiot.” Shadow growled. 

“You brought your spouse here?” Maria grinned. 

“And my son.” Shadow grumbled. 

“You have a son?!” 

“Unfortatenly for you and I, they can’t sit still for longer than five minutes.” 

There was a soft breeze that went by them. Shadow crossed his arms turning around, Sonic stood with a hand over his heart. 

“You wound me Shadow.” Sonic sighed. 

“You were supposed to sit here.” Shadow hissed. 

Maria knelt down to him, cupping his face and twisting him all around. Getting a good look over the cobalt hedgehog. Muttering to herself, comparing Shadow and Sonic she grinned and embraced him. Sonic looked at Shadow who only smiled. 

“Thank you for taking care of him for me.” She muttered. 

Sonic nuzzled into her, “I’d do anything for him.” 

Maria pulled back with a smile, grinning cheek to cheek. 

“I see why you picked him, Shadow, he's very handsome, and has a very kind heart.” Maria hummed. 

“Do not boost his already inflated ego.” Shadow huffed. 

“Me too?” 

Silver emerged from Sonic’s quills, amber eyes looking up at her like a kicked puppy. Sitting on his head he pouted slightly, Maria in awe over the small hoglet in the sea of blue quills. She slowly looked to Shadow. 

“Can I hold him?” she asked. Shadow nodded, and without any hesitation she scooped up the pup. Cradling him in her arms she sat back on her heels, Silver looked up at her with a wide smile. She bit her lip trying not to squeal over how cute he was. Then she couldn't help it anymore. She squealed between bitten lips and practically crushed the small hedgehog in her arms. Silver tried to push away or get away at some point. Sonic laughed, putting a hand to his hip. 

“It’s like you haven’t seen a pup before.” Sonic hummed. Maria finally settled down, releasing the hoglet to scramble back behind Shadow. 

“It’s because I haven’t. Shadow was created, just the way he is. He was never a baby.” Maria sighed. 

“Man, I was really hoping to see baby pictures.” Sonic sighed. 

Sirens soon rang out of the building, Shadow scooped up Silver as Maria rose. Silver clutched onto his fur glancing around, all ears pivoted and flicked trying to figure out what's going on. 

“Intruder.” Maria muttered. Then all eyes fell to Sonic, he raised his hands in defence. 

“I didn’t do anything.” Sonic spoke. 

“You didn’t have to, your energy level must be what sparked it.” Maria said, “You have to go, all of you.” 

“Papa, I’m scared.” Silver whimpered, hands sparking into Shadow’s quills. He reached up stroking the pup on his head. Tears brimmed his eyes and started to hyperventilate. 

“I know, but- the only force my grandfather would send for an intruder…” Maria spoke, stepping up to Silver and tried to sooth his fear. 

“I’ll take care of it, you just get Silver to calm down. I can distract him long enough.” Sonic nodded. 

“I won’t allow it-” 

“And what are you going to do? Face yourself? Cause a rift in the timeline? Yea I don’t think so. Besides, the only hog that can handle you, is yours truly.” 

Shadow growled as Sonic began stretching. He huffed his anger out, as Sonic was to him pulling out a communicator and handed one piece to Shadow and stuck the other in his ear. He cupped Shadow’s cheek and smiled warmly. 

“I ain’t scared of you, in any timeline.” He gave a quick kiss to his lips then was gone. 

Sonic zipped through the facility, keeping track of the cameras that followed him. He smirked, turning to another corner, then immediately back peddled. There in the middle of the hall was Shadow, past Shadow. A wild animal released from its cage, Sonic swallowed thickly taking a step backward. He slowly cranked his head to him, having Sonic take another step backwards. Shadow raised his hand to him and pointed at him. 

“You don’t belong here, hedgehog.” Shadow spoke, it was low, tired. 

“And what are you going to do about it?” Sonic taunted, “Or are you just going to stand there while I run wild.” 

Shadow eyed him, rolling his tongue in his cheek. Just before he could teleport, Sonic was gone. Bolting down the hallways, glancing over his shoulder seeing Shadow following. He shook his head, even in the past he was so easy. Zipping into the head of the ship, Sonic was cornered. Swiveling to turn around, Shadow stepped in. 

“Who are you?” Shadow asked. 

“I can’t tell you that.” Sonic sneered. 

“Tsk- why are you here?” 

“Can’t tell you that either.” 

‘Sonic, we’ve been able to open a portal home. The far end of the ship. You are racing against time now. Two minutes max or it shuts.’ Shadow spoke. 

Sonic stuck his tongue out to Shadow then zipped past him, Shadow scoffed following after. Winding through the ship, Shadow was still on his tail. 

‘Hun, I can’t shake him.’ Sonic spoke looking at Shadow over his shoulder. 

‘You pissed him off didn’t you?’ 

‘I can’t help it, you are so easy.’ 

‘I can’t help you there, use that fat ego of yours.’ 

Sonic sped around a corner and spiraled around the walls and ceiling of the hall. As Shadow said there was a portal at the end of the hall, Shadow and Silver were already through. Slowly closing around them watching in suspense. Sonic skid to a stop snapping his attention to the past Shadow. Who stopped just a bit away from him, slowly inching closer to him. Sonic took a hesitant step backwards, his thoughts working overdrive. What could possibly stun Shadow long en- 

Oh…. oh… why didn’t he think of that sooner. 

Taking a sharp inhale, and a quick step. He stood before Shadow, who looked at him with wide eyes and was a bit surprised. He smiled softly cupping his face and kissed his forehead. Whispering something gentle to his ear and then. Sonic was back at the portal and stepped backwards into it, as his form stepped through, it shut with a teal sparkle. Shadow stood, dazed, what… just happened. 

“Oh Shadow! You're alright! Did you catch it?” Maria asked. 

Shadow drew his gaze back up to her, he looked confused, dazed, processing the words of the blue hedgehog spoke to him. Maria knelt down to him and took his hand. 

“Are you alright?” she asked. 

“I- I think I have an answer to your question.” Shadow spoke, he blinked a few times feeling this weird and twisted swell in his chest. 

“Which one?” She asked. 

“Blue.” He nodded, “My favorite color is blue.” 

Sonic rubbed his face slumping onto the couch, Shadow stood above him with a frown. Silver crawled into Sonic’s lap and smiled embracing him. Sonic pulled him in tighter for a hug, shutting his eyes, in hopes to shield himself from the angry glare above him. 

“What did you say to him?” Shadow huffed. 

“I dunno Shadow, what did I say to him?” Sonic cracked an eye open to him, “He is you afterall.” 

‘If you feel the breeze against your fur, know, I am always with you.’ Sonic whispered. 

Chapter Text

A soft breeze zipped through the facility, drawing the raised suspicion of the bots around. Scanning the area for anything to intrude the facility. But. it was far too late. Smashing through and bouncing around between bots. A blue hue zipped around them all and destroyed them without hesitation. Sonic stopped checking over his work and smirked, with a laugh he continued zooming the halls of Eggman’s base. Until he tripped an alarm. Sirens began to blare as hall doors began to shut. Sonic laughed, picking up speed and zipped through another hall before the doors shut behind him.

Eggman frowned, watching the screens flick over a glimpse of Sonic barreling through any defense he put up. Every once in a while Sonic would stop for a camera and taunt him before zipping off once more. Tapping the tips of his fingers together, he sat and waited. No need to lose his patience, Sonic was being led into a trap. He glanced behind him to the set of beaming red eyes behind him.

“Go.” He spoke.

With a nod, he was gone.

Sonic stood in the hallway, tapping his finger to his lips. A fork in the road, he had to outsmart Eggman. There was no way Eggman didn’t have some sort of last minute plan for him. So. He went left, racing down the hall until his movements slowed to a slow jog. He stopped, another fork in the path. Pursing his lips he crossed his arms. So… he was put in a maze. Steel walls miles high, with no sign of how to get out. Humming he stepped up to one of the walls and knocked on it. Solid steel. How did he have all the money to get solid steel walls?

Groaning Sonic then walked the halls, coming to more forks, and more dead ends. Looking down he knelt down to the floor and knocked on it. He grinned, it would be thin enough for him to get through. Especially with his condition.

‘Escaping is futile hedgehog.’

Rolling his head back he groaned, Sonic looked over to the metal reflection. Metal Sonic stood ready to fight, and right behind him was Eggman. Tossing some popcorn into his mouth. Sonic grimaced at him.

“Popcorn really?” Sonic asked.

“Oh- how rude. Do you want some?” Eggman asked, then threw a handful at him. The white puffs scattered and bounced over the floor. The waft of heat and butter filled his nose, causing his mouth to water and stomach to curl. Sonic slapped a hand over his mouth and quickly scooted away from the scattered snack littered over the floor. Eggman looked at his bowl sniffing it slightly as if it had been tampered with. Seemed fine, his gaze drew back up to the hedgehog trying to settle his active stomach. Metal had approached gripping the back of his neck and pulled him off the ground. Sonic groaned to the sudden reaction, the nausea climbing higher up his throat. Face paling and becoming clammy.

“Metal- just this once put him down.” Eggman said.

Metal Sonic turned to Eggman and dropped Sonic. Just in time too, Sonic crumpled to the floor, body rolling as he dry heaved into the steel floors. Then spewed the contents out and onto the floor. Eggman curled his lip in disgust, and suddenly popcorn didn’t sound like a good snack to eat. Sonic sputtered out another round of stomach acid and liquids. He panted heavily onto the ground and slowly made movements to sit back on his heels.

“Erm. Ok, I feel better now. So, you ready for me to kick your metal tin can?”

‘Negative.’ Metal spoke, before Sonic could react. Metal shot a dart from his hand and into Sonic’s arm. He groaned, pulling the needle out and letting it clatter to the floor. On his feet he darted at the metal reincarnation, fighting against the drugs that now flowed into his blood stream. Metal Sonic only defended, backing away from each attack Sonic could throw at him. Until his movements grew slow, and slumped against him. Metal Sonic looked at Eggman scooping up the hedgehog into his arms.

‘Doctor, what is the diagnosis of his condition?’ Metal asked.

“Should we run some tests?” Eggman grinned.

Sonic snapped his eyes open, he groaned to the pulsating headache behind his eyes. Blinking slowly he sat up in a makeshift cot, which creaked with each moment he made. Emerald eyes glanced around the cell he was locked up in. He groaned, flopping back into the cot and drew his hands to his eyes. Sighing he pulled his hands down.

“He’s gonna kill me.” Sonic groaned.

“So who is the baby daddy hm?”

Sonic squeezed his eyes shut, curling his face in disgust. Reopening his eyes, Eggman stood outside his cell, Metal Sonic beside him. He was chowing down on a bag of chips this time, Sonic recoiled pulling his legs up to his chest. Passing the bag to Metal he leaned over the cell with a large grin.

“Guessing game then? I can play along.” Eggman hummed tapping a finger to his mustache, “Well you and that big red brute hang out almost all of the time, perhaps in order to bring an echidna child back into the world?”

Sonic deadpanned at him, “You have this fat brain and the first thing you thought of was Knuckles?”

“Not him? Could be Silver, but… that would alter some sort of timeline.” Eggman mumbled, Sonic cocked a brow at him.

“Seeing that gave no reaction, maybe you’ve been whoring yourself around with the enemy.”

Sonic then furrowed to this, pinning his ears back. Eggman’s grin only widened, gripping onto the bars of his cell.

“There are only two I can think of that have claimed to be your rival. Perhaps the father is that squawking Jet the hawk?” Eggman spoke. Sonic laughed, clutched onto his stomach. Then narrowed down to one. Having Sonic’s laughing bubble down to a chuckle, his humor died as he swallowed thickly. Eggman clutched onto the bars tighter, an evil and twisted grin spread wider on his face.

“What a surprise, what a surprise!” Eggman beamed, “Oh! And he doesn’t know you are here!”

He then laughed, sending a chilling crawl up Sonic’s spine. Eggman pushed off the bars, hunching over laughing harder. Taking a sharp breath he leaned over the cell once more.

“And where is our ultimate lifeform?” Eggman asked.

“Coming to kick your ass.” Sonic hissed.

“Uh huh, sure. He must be out on some mission- Oh what a glorious day, the Eggman empire is so close. With your child, I will be unstoppable.”

“Like I’d let you have them. Shadow too.” Sonic huffed.

“You think Shadow can handle the grief of two deaths?” Eggman grinned, “Perhaps a third, if I tell him the child was miscarried?”

Sonic was up to the cell door in an instant, gripping onto his shirt.

“I’ll kill you before I let that happen!” Sonic snarled.

“In your condition, I doubt you can find me.” Eggman hummed. Ripping Sonic’s hand off him he swiveled and turned down the hall.

“Well, rest up hedgehog. You have a very long and boresome time here. Toodles!” Eggman called. Sonic growled bouncing off the walls of the cell. Metal watched him, trying to find some weak link in the cell. Processing over the information he just retained. Sonic huffed pacing around in the cell. Grumbling to himself over how stupid he was. As he turned he bit his knuckle talking about Shadow’s wrath he’d face shortly after. His movements suddenly stopped and turned to Metal Sonic.

“What do you want? Here to taunt me too?” Sonic scoffed.

‘Negative. I’m programmed to disarm your escapes.’ Metal spoke with a nod.

“Ugh! Of course you are!” Sonic slumped against his cot, pulling the blanket over himself he glanced over his shoulder to the beaming red eyes. He scoffed, turning back to the wall.

As weeks turned into months. The swell in his stomach only grew, the only good thing about being stuck with Eggman was he'd run tests to check the child’s health. Metal being his errand bot with the needs and nutrition intake. Pampered to an extent, with the no contact of his friends, or even Shadow. Or anything he actually wanted to eat.

Sonic sighed hearing another broadcast, entailing that if Shadow or any of Sonic’s friends showed up they’d be shot on sight. This was played at least three times a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once at night… Sonic assumed. As the third one finished he groaned to the kick in his stomach. He should have known that their child would be restless, always moving, always kicking, pushing against Sonic’s ribs and all organs around them.

“Kid you gotta settle down, you're gonna break a rib.” Sonic hissed.

‘Is the child in distress?’ Metal asked.

“Nah, just a wiggler.” Sonic shrugged, “I mean a child of the ultimate lifeform and the fastest thing alive-” Sonic wheezed as he got the wind knocked out of him, taking a sharp intake of air he groaned.

“Should have expected them to be constantly active.” Sonic breathed. Metal looked as if he was going to process a question. Sonic tilted his head at him.

“Do you want to feel? Is that something you can do?” Sonic asked.

‘Affirmative, I am acquired with the sense of touch.’ Metal nodded. Sonic shuffled to get up, when Metal stopped him.

‘I will enter, your escape is futile.’

“Sure, I can’t get far anyway.” Sonic showed his shackled ankle. Metal processed before unlocking the door and stepping inside. Shutting the door behind him he stepped up to him. Sonic leaned back against the wall holding out his hand. Metal placed his robotic hand into his as Sonic pressed it to the swell of his stomach. He hissed to the cold contact. Red eyes fizzled to the stomach, he couldn’t feel him, but he could watch the resistance that pushed against his hand.

‘Your youth is strong.’ Metal buzzed.

“Must get their kicks from Shadow. Man can still feel the sting of those heavy airshoes to the back of my head.” Sonic grumbled.

‘Is the father aware?’

“Shadow knows, he’s going to kill me when he finds me here.”

He slouched, grimacing. The hell Shadow is going to release when he finds out where he is. His eyes traced back up to Metal, pulling his hand away and folding his arms.

“Look, I know you're supposed to stop me from escaping. But, I doubt he programmed you to help me.” Sonic said, “Sure we’ve never really seen eye to eye. And your whole ordeal with killing me, but is that what you want? Especially now? I’m already at my weakest point, you could kill me now. But I think there’s something in you that cares. Even just a little bit.”

‘I am not programmed to take orders from you.’ Metal hissed.

“I’m not ordering anything, I’m just. Asking if you’d at least find someone to help me. You know it would be a pity death that you’d have guilt over.” Sonic grinned. Metal studied him for a moment before he was gone. Sonic groaned, leaning back against his cell.

‘Doctor.’

Eggman perked up from his computer, swiveling in his chair to Metal Sonic standing in the middle of the room. He grinned standing and clapping his hands together.

“And how is our little creation doing?” Eggman grinned.

‘He has requested… I get him something sweet. I shall go fetch it for him.’ Metal nodded.

“Gah, of course the cravings. Since he’s been sitting so well, he deserves a treat.”

Eggman brushed him off, Metal teleported out of the facility. Despite his rage and hatred he held for Sonic, he supposed the weak death would be the worst fate of his enemy. He’d die by his own hand, and not the fate of Eggman. He couldn’t let that happen.

Metal scanned the area, finding the best route to alert. Someone. Without the repercussions of- his data blinked. Not too far away was Omega, he was standing outside a grocery store. So. That's where he’d go. Taking his stance, his mechanical body whirled before he boomed off. Whizzing past the trees and past Eggman’s defenses, then whurrled into the city. Slowing down he stepped onto the pavement. Suddenly there were eyes on him, but he didn’t pay them no mind. Metal followed his directions to lead him to the other robot. Omega turned to him, readying his weapons.

‘Sonic isn’t here- Your fight is with me.’ Omega spoke.

‘Negative, my mission is to seek the help of the blue hedgehog’s allies. You are the only one who’d believe me.’ Metal reached into his helmet and pulled out a microchip. Omega hesitated before taking it. Processing its contents, it was a memory chip. Giving one glance to Metal he added it to his tech and started to process its contents. Many images of Sonic popped up, and the slow growth of his stomach. Omega removed the chip and handed it back.

“Oh. it’s you.”

Their gaze pulled to Rouge, holding some groceries in her hand. A disappointed look on her face.

“Look, I’m not looking for a fight. I have dinner to prepare.” Rouge scoffed.

‘Rouge, Sonic is being held captive with Eggman. Shadow must be informed immediately.’ Omega spoke.

“Are you sure hon, this guy only wants to kill him, why would he help him?” Rouge asked, “Come to think of it, I haven’t seen hyde or tail of our blue hero….”

Her expression melted into a furrow. Eggman must have found out about the pup. Rouge looked black to the two robots before her.

“Is this true, is Sonic being held captive?” Rouge asked.

‘Affirmative.’ They both spoke.

“Shit, alright. You go tell Shadow, I’ll tell the others.” Rouge then took flight and soared in the sky, Omega gave a nod to metal sonic before zooming off. Soaring up into the sky he took off to the only place Shadow would reside. His home. Farthest from town there was a small home that resided. Landing outside, sending the lavender field outside their home dancing. He approached the home, stepping up the steps he knocked on the door. His gaze fell to the motorcycle outside and awaited a response. The door flew open but Shadow’s anger faded and huffed.

“Omega, what are you doing here?” He huffed.

‘Sonic has been held captive while we’ve been away.’ Omega spoke, ‘Metal came to me and gave me his memories. It is confirmed your husband is being held there. Eggman knows of the child, refusing to let him go.’

Shadow took a sharp inhale, “I’m going to kill him.”

‘He said you would.’ Omega chirped a laugh.

“I’ll go get him.” Shadow growled, turning to head inside his home.

“Oh I don’t think so! You aren’t going alone!”

Shadow turned to Rouge landing and stepping up onto the porch. She smiled, putting a hand to her hip.

“We’ve been itching for a fight with that baby daddy snatcher.” Rouge grinned.

“We?” Shadow asked.

And behind her, appeared the colorful friend group of Sonic’s friends. Amy pulled out her hammer, to lean against it.

“So. What's the plan?”

Sonic perked up to Metal approaching, he held out a candy bar. Eyeing the treat suspiciously he got up to take it. Swiping it from his hand he settled back into his cot, shifting under his weight with a creak.

“What did you do?” Sonic squinting at him.

‘Your request was accepted.’

Then left without another word, Sonic looked down to the chocolate bar. Unwrapping it he broke off a square and popped it into his mouth. Savoring its sweet taste, there was a subtle kick drawing out the air in his lungs.

“Like that lil bud?” Sonic grumbled rubbing over his stomach, and popped another square into his mouth.

Sonic ate about half of it before wrapping it up and setting it down. Curling up against the wall he felt the fatigue of the day weigh on him. It had to be well past nine and ten was slowly approaching. Shutting his eyes, he finally lulled to sleep. But it was brief. Before sirens rang out in the building. Sonic groaned, tossing over onto his back and glared up at the ceiling. Frowning he sat up and felt life begin to stir under his touch.

“Yea I know bud.” Sonic huffed.

Something must have tripped the security system again. Until there was a loud bang and a door slid down the hall. Sonic on his feet darted to the cell door. Trying to peek through, his ears swiveled hearing a cock of a gun. Smoke bellowed in and there was more crashing and screaming down the hall. Soon meeting a soft gaze of ruby he smiled bright.

“Shadow! Oh, am I glad to see you!” Sonic grinned.

“Are you hurt?” he asked.

“No, I’ve been taken well care of- surprisingly.” Sonic hummed.

“Good, cause as soon as I get you out of that cell I’m going to kill you.” Shadow huffed, shoving his gun into his quills. Sonic snickered as Shadow gripped onto the door, pulling it off the hinges with little to no effort he tossed it with the other. Clattering to the floor Sonic looked to the chain that wrapped around his ankle and locked to the wall. Shadow glanced to it, then scooped Sonic up wrapping the chain around his wrist and hand then with a mighty yank. It broke, clattering pieces of the chain to the floor. Freeing the blue blur Sonic wrapped his arms around Shadow’s shoulders.

“Oh my hero!” Sonic grinned.

“I’m going to kill you.” Shadow hissed.

Sonic wheezed, unfurling a hand from his neck to put a hand to his stomach. Shadow worried glanced over at him.

“They can hear you, kicking my ribs and knocking all the air out of me.” Sonic breathed, “Sure is a kicker, must get it from you.”

Shadow rumbled a chuckle, “You deserve it.”

Sonic gawked at him before Shadow skied out of the room. Into the clouds of smoke there was a roar of a robotic creation scraping the floor. Shadow glanced around to the differing flickering lights of the fighters taking the monster. There was something approaching, at a fast speed. Feet pattering through the smoke as Silver emerged. Glowing hands held out before grasping them shut and knocked two badinks crashing into each other.

“This way!” Silver called.

Shadow followed after, darting into a hallway and sliding around corners. Silver reached out to crush any cameras and any enemies that awaited them in corners. Shadow slid and bobbed over them before they exploded behind them. Swerving over more defenses the three made it out of the facility. Panting softly they looked back before running off to find a safer place to rest. More badinks spotted them. Shadow pulled a gun from his quills and began to fire, Silver raising his glowing hands lifting the enemies and slamming them down. There was a loud explosion behind them. Sonic peered over Shadow’s shoulder seeing their friends rush out.

“Run! Quickly!” Amy cried.

As the group caught up they all ran out of the defenses, with little attacks from them. Mostly just trying to get out before chaos erupted and the place blew. They all panted watching the smoke and fire flood the facility.

“Is he ok?” Silver asked.

Sonic smiled, “Yea, I’m fine.”

By the look he gave, he wasn’t referring to Sonic.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Silver smiled.

“We can chit chat later, let's go home.” Shadow barked.

By home. He meant hospital. Sonic being whisked away to make sure he and his child were going to be fine. Shadow paced in the waiting room with the rest of the small group. All quietly talking to each other, exchanging stories or how life had been. Shadow paid them no mind, Silver stood watching him.

“Well my work here is done, I should go.” Silver hummed, folding his arms behind his back. Shadow glared up at him, having him still.

“Where are you off to?” Shadow asked, “What can be more important than being here.”

“Oh you know, timeline stuff. Future-”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I really shouldn’t be here.”

Shadow eyed him, before a nurse had come out. Earning the soft chatting to stop. Her eyes searched the sea of eyes, but fell upon Shadow.

“Come with us.” She said, “Urgently.”

Shadow huffed, turning to Silver, gripping his arm then went after the nurse, quickly padding through the halls there was a painful shout down the hall. It was Sonic’s. Silver tried to claw his hand free but Shadow’s grip was too strong.

“We had to induce labor, he requested you. And he’s panicking.” She said over her shoulder. Pushing open the door, Sonic propped up against the bed hyperventilating. A few nurses tried to get him to calm down, but he wasn’t listening and cried out another groan gripping onto the bed. Shadow released Silver and took to his side, taking his hand and speaking softly to Sonic. Silver looked to the time, clenching his jaw he swallowed thickly looking at the two. In ten minutes it was going to be April 5th.

“Silver get over here, help me.” Shadow barked.

“I really-”

“Don’t make me ask you twice.” Shadow snarled.

Silver sighed in frustration and went to the opposite side of Sonic. Taking his hand, emerald eyes frantic as another wave of pain washed over him. Gritting through teeth he hissed, squeezing into the hands that held him.

“Sonic, you're gonna have to breathe. I know it hurts.” Shadow spoke.

“Easy for you to say.” Sonic snapped.

“You're gonna have to push soon.” Silver nodded, “Just breathe.”

Sonic took a sharp intake of breath, groaning to the squirm under the sheet. Five minutes.

“I can’t , I can’t do this-”

“Yes you can, you can do anything.” Shadow spoke, “You fell from space, defeated Eggman and now you are having a kid. Our kid.”

He peppered him in kisses, cupping his face. Sonic hissed to another wave of pain, tightening his grip onto the hands on him. Silver winced feeling something pop out of place in his hand. Grumbling, he looked at the clock. He shut his eyes tightly and sighed.

“Sonic in just a few minutes it’s going to be April 5th.” Silver spoke, his eyes looking to his hand. He felt eyes on him, both of ruby and emerald. Glancing up at them, Shadow seemed confused by that comment, but Sonic knew. He knew everyone’s birthdays.

“You can do this.” Silver nodded. Sonic looked at him, really looked at him. As if a whole new light had been shown on him. Sonic groaned, throwing his head back.

“You- you-” Sonic hissed, “Son of a bitch!”

“You need to push!” The doctor said,

Sonic took a sharp inhale, repositioning himself then began the painful process of pushing that building pressure. Through gritted teeth was a string of curses, and bone crushing tightness he held onto the hands. Shadow grunted, wrapping his hands over his hand. Sweet praises left his lips. Sonic slumped, taking another fresh breath of air. Shadow took a cold cloth from a nurse and blotted his forehead. The nurses praised and gave their compliments to him.

“What does April 5th have to do with anything?” Shadow asked Silver.

“It’s Silver.” Sonic swallowed, “I’m giving birth to Silver. It’s his birthday.”

Everything clicked into place, why Silver was hesitant on helping, why he wanted to run, the lies, the subtle hints of his parents. Shadow drew his attention to the silver hedgehog across from him. He felt a bit betrayed, but he knew Silver couldn’t say anything even if he wanted to. Coming back to the past to fix his future, there was going to be a chance he’d run into them.

“I’ll deal with you later.” Shadow huffed.

Sonic hissed, taking another breath and picking up the painful process of pushing. With a guttural groan, there was a sharp cry and Sonic slumped. The child was wrapped and headed across the room to be cleaned. Shadow cupped his face and kissed him softly. Wiping more of his sweat away. Sonic grinned a weak smile at him.

“Take that ultimate lifeform.” Sonic hummed.

Shadow chuckled, Silver caught the gazes from the doctors. Pinning his ears back they looked back to the blanket then back to him. Sonic took his hand once more pulling him back to look at him.

“What a birthday, you had to watch your parent give birth to you.” Sonic mumbled.

“This was the better timeline to be born in.” Silver smiled.

As the pup was brought back there was a sense of awe from the doctor and nurses. Sonic was handed the bundle, he smiled pulling the blanket down a bit. And sure enough. Wrapped in the colorful cloth of paws, was a baby Silver the hedgehog. Shadow looked in, eyes widening to the bundle in Sonic’s arms. Then flicked up to Silver holding a sheepish smile.

“I uh. I should go now.” Silver swallowed.

“Awe but look how cute you are.” Sonic teased, glancing up at him. Silver was curious, peeking over to the hoglet wrapped up tight. He smiled softly to himself, he was so little. Sonic groaned, feeling the nurses clean him up. Everything was just- cold and wet. A few nurses unlocked the wheels and started to wheel him out of the delivery room and down the hall. Shadow and Silver followed behind, Silver felt Shadow’s intense stare on him and swallowed thickly.

“I’ll go.” Silver ducted his head when Shadow grabbed his arm. Swiveling the silver hedgehog in for a hug. Stiffening he eyed Shadow in confusion.

“Just… a little while longer.” Shadow spoke, just soft enough for him to hear. Silver bit back some tears enveloping him in a hug. Clutching onto his fur. Standing in the middle of the hallway.

“You are so brave, my son.” Shadow hushed, “Knowing all around you will cease to exist, but you still return to this time.”

“Pops is staring at us.” Silver muttered.

Shadow barked a laugh pulling back gripping onto his shoulders, “And what am I?”

“Depends on your mood, if I want something I call you father, if you're mad I call you papa, and above all others. I call you my dad.”

Shadow smiled, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. One of the nurses left to fetch the others. Pulling Silver in with him, Shadow sat next to Sonic. Already trying to fight sleep that was wearing on him. Sonic passed off the hoglet and beconded Silver to sit with him. Indulging him he sat beside him as Sonic took his hand. Giving a sigh he shut his eyes. Silver smiled cupping his hand between his. Then the flood of their friends came. First was Rouge, followed by Amy, who raced to get into the room. Then Tails and Knuckles who shot each other a disappointed look. Rouge and Amy snapped their gaze to Shadow, as if they’d jump him at any second.

“Before you see our child, I must ask. Do you know what today is?” Sonic asked, still with shut eyes holding Silver’s hands.

“It’s April 5th.” Amy nodded. Her and Rouge’s eyes widened, slowly cranking their gaze to Silver. He pinned his ears back. Shadow stepped between their gaze drawing them back to the blanket. Scrambling to his side they looked into the bundle of joy.

“Shadow if I don’t hold him I will die.” Rouge gasped.

“No way, me first!” Amy huffed.

“Tails.” Shadow called.

The fox perked up, having Amy and Rouge groan. Tails stepped up to him and sat on the corner of the bed. Shadow brushed by the girls and held out the hoglet, adjusting his weight and slowly sliding his hands away. Tails smiled, batting his tails against the sheets. He looked up to Shadow then back to the hoglet. Sonic cracked an eye open, Knuckles peaked over his shoulder. His violet eyes beamed.

“Ah, the futuristic hedgehog. A mighty warrior of the two previous.” He hummed.

“We are right here.” Sonic grumbled.

“I should be going.” Silver rose. Sonic fluttered his eyes open, as he dropped his hand. Shadow took his place, taking his hand.

“Will we see you again?” Sonic asked.

“Of course, my life is now in your hands.” Silver bowed.

Then with a step backwards. He was gone. Leaving a twinkling teal light to flutter to the floor. Sonic sighed looking up to Shadow.

“Who would have known?” Sonic snickered.

“He would.” Shadow hummed looking down to him.

Chapter Text

“I don’t get it.” 

The dining car was full of their friends. All dressed up in different costumes, all holding golden tickets. Silver on Shadow’s hip looking around at the dining car, his eyes narrowed to an apple bowl and started to squirm in his grip. Shadow looked at him, having him stop and pout in his arms. He was dressed as a magician, a little top hat and cape, along with his collapsable wand. He hummed, kicking his feet. Patting at Shadow’s green apron, reaching into his pocket. All he found was a few keys. To his disappointment he put them back. 

“Your aunt wanted to have a murder mystery party. So. Someone’s gonna get murdered.” Shadow grinned, tickling the pup in his arms. Silver squealed trying to pry himself free, Shadow only persisted. 

“Don’t you worry my son, your papa is here to save you.” 

Perking up to Sonic in a captain's costume, he pushed back his little white hat and scooped up the silver hedgehog. Panting he giggled as the train pushed off. Everyone gathering their footing Sonic taking Shadow’s hand, Silver reached around Sonic to grab an apple on the counter. He nudged Shadow who glanced at the red crisp fruit and took it. Rubbing the fruit against his apron and pulling out his knife, slicing through its flesh and cutting out a piece. Handing a piece to Silver who grinned while taking it. Amy clapped her hands together, getting everyone’s attention. She held out a cup with a strips of paper crumpled up in it. Everyone reached in and pulled out a paper. Silver unfurled the paper clinging onto Sonic’s leg. 

“What you get?” Sonic asked him. 

“I can’t tell you that.” Shadow scoffed. 

“Oh are you gonna murder me? Oh would be such a shame, how’d you do it?” Sonic bit his lip, having Shadow roll his eyes. 

Shadow cut out another piece as Amy held the bowl back out as everyone put their papers back into the bowl. Sonic scooped up their pup as Shadow handed him another piece of apple. Once Amy got the papers back, the game began. Giving a quick kiss to Shadow, Sonic sat Silver on the counter who took another slice and went to mingle with a few of the guests. 

“So, are we all pretending to kill each other?” Silver cocked his head. 

“Pretty much, someone’s gonna go around killing us all until the killer is left. But I doubt anyone’s gonna get too far. I know everyone here too well.” Shadow sighed, “Unfortunately.” 

Silver giggled as Shadow handed him another piece. He grinned, taking the fruit and shoved it into his mouth. Shadow shot him a glare, having the pup pout and chew it slowly. Amy stepped up to them and practically squealed picking up the pup. 

“Oh! Our little magician!” She grinned, “What tricks did you want to show us?” 

Silver rifled in his little coat pocket when Sonic snatched him up and pressed a finger to his lips. 

“A great magician never reveals his tricks.” Sonic grinned. Silver snickered curling into his side. He turned to Shadow handing him the last of the apple. Taking little bites of its flesh listening to Amy and Sonic chatter. Suddenly the lights flickered off and a loud thump, Amy squealed. 

“Papa?!” Silver cried. 

Shadow felt something grab his apron and the lights flickered on. Looking down Silver had clutched onto him. But all eyes were on Sonic lying right in the middle of the dining car, everyone gasped slowly taking their steps back. Silver cried running over to him and started bawling. Clutching onto his blue coat. Shadow took his side scooping the pup up and into his side. Sonic ‘dead’ with his tongue out and in the most ridiculous death pose. Shadow furrowed looking to the eyes on them. Silver crying into his neck clutching onto his apron. 

“Sonic’s dead.” Shadow called. 

The gasps echoed in the dining car, Tails made the scene. Pulling out his magnifying glass and looking over his body. Humming he pulled a silver quill from his coat. 

“If you make that a clue I’m going to punch you.” Shadow hissed, “He was holding Silver and talking to Amy before the lights flickered off.” 

“Well, Silver, did you see or hear anything strange?” Tails asked. 

The hogglet sniffled and shook his head, “I was eating my apple.” 

“That’s normal for you.” 

Tails turned to Amy, “Did you?” 

“No, we were just talking about Silver’s magic tricks.” 

There was a tension that fell over everyone. All glancing over each other before slowly heading to their cabins. All eyeing each other as they all dispersed. Shadow took Silver to the lounge with him, setting him down he bolted to the window and looked outside. Sighing Shadow wracked his brain, who could have taken the chance to attack in such a brief moment. Sitting on one of the couches watching Silver grin and point to the environment around them. 

“Is papa going to be ok?” Silver asked. 

“I’m sure he’s fine, he’s gonna probably eat everything while no one is in there.” Shadow shook his head. 

Silver snickered, “Then can I go get more apples?” 

“Not while the killer is on the loose.” Shadow grinned, wiggling his fingers at him. Silver pinned his ears back and frowned. 

“Let me take him then.” 

Shadow perked up to Rouge sneaking in, Silver grinned as she knelt down to him. Jumping up into her arms, she hummed, scooping him up. Both looking to Shadow for his approval, he scoffed, waving his approval. Rouge slipped out of the lounge and headed into the casino. Blaze cooed as the two of them stepped through and into the library. Vector the butcher stood with his son, Espio the poet. He was just a couple years older than Silver. He peered over Rouge’s shoulder waving to him as they headed into the saloon. Knuckles playing one of his games. 

“Could I ask if we make a pit stop?” Rouge asked. 

Silver nodded. She giggled, setting Silver onto a barstool he smiled at her. Rouge approached Knuckles and leaned over the machine. Once her attention was taken to Knuckles his smile faded and held out his glowing hand. 

“Rouge I’m busy!” Knuckles barked. 

“But your baby nephew is here.” She cooed, “Give us some of your attention.” 

There rang the game over tune, he turned to her and then to Silver. He was rocking back and forth on the stool. Tongue sticking out of his mouth as he kept rocking. You could tell he was Sonic’s kid alright. Knuckles scooped him up before he could do any major damage. Shadow would have both their heads if anything happened to him. 

“Now can we go get apples?” Silver whined. 

“Of course baby.” Rouge hummed. 

There was an abrupt buzzing, Rouge pulled out her phone. Amy was calling her, she grinned answering it. Silver groaned as Knuckles pulled him to his form. 

“How about you and I go?” Knuckles smirked to him. 

“Please!” Silver cried. 

Knuckles snickered, taking the pup into the dining car. Sitting on the floor was a blue x on the floor, Sonic’s name written on a folded piece of paper. 

“Can’t believe it was your pops that went first.” Knuckles sighed setting Silver down. Silver grinned, grabbing an apple and presenting it to his uncle. 

“I was right there, I should have seen something.” Silver hung his head. Knuckles clicked his tongue ripping the apple in half and handed him both halves. 

“Don’t beat yourself up. It was too quick, like if Sonic was the… killer.” 

Knuckles slowly removed his hand from the hoglet. Silver slowly raised his head, an intense amber gaze was on him. A mimic’s grin of Shadow held on his face nibbling down on the flesh of the apple. Violet eyes widened as he took a step backwards. Silver held up his hand to him, in a playful finger gun. 

Rouge stepped into the dining car, Knuckles lied on the floor having her scream. She covered her mouth as she took his side, shortly after Tails and Amy made the scene. They gasped as Rouge turned to them. The room was in disarray, everything overturned- besides the food table. But Knuckles lied next to a table, hands out as if he was trying to surrender. But to his avail was next on the killers list, leaving the scene with a pile of grapes beside him. 

“I- I left him alone for just a few minutes!” She cried. 

“Wha- what was he doing in the dining car?” Tails asked. 

“Silver.” Rouge muttered, “Wh- Where’s Silver? He wanted an apple. Shit- Shadow is going to kill me.” 

They looked around the room, trying to find the missing pup. Under all the knocked over tables, but their search came up empty. Rouge bit her knuckle scanning the room. There was no hyde or tail of him, or where he could have gone. Golden eyes watched them from the upper vent before disappearing. 

“They took Silver, he must have seen.” She spoke. 

“How do we know you weren’t the killer?” Tails pointed at her. 

“I was on the phone with Amy the entire time.” Rouge huffed, crossing her arms. 

“It’s true.” Amy nodded. 

“We can’t tell Shadow Silver’s missing.” 

They all nodded, the wrath of that hedgehog would be the end of the game for sure. One of the screens flickered, revealing all their little icons. Sonic and Knuckles were crossed out. Rouge sighed sadly, turning away from the screen. The three left to investigate the saloon. Chairs had been knocked over and a few apple seeds scattered the floor. Tails used his magnifying glass and looked for some clues, but all were just Silver’s fight with whoever took him. Stepping into the next room, Espio and Vector sat on a couch. Vector read him a story when they perked up to them. 

“Did anyone come running in here?” Tails asked. 

Espio shook his head, “We’ve been reading.” 

“Don’t tell Shadow, but Silver’s missing.” Amy whispered. 

“Oh no- well we will keep an eye out for him.” Vector nodded. 

The trio headed off into the casino car, Blaze leaning over one of the tables. Counting the chips when she perked up to them. She stood pinning her ears back, and she embraced Rouge. Who gladly took her embrace and made a dramatic sob into her shoulder. 

“My husband is dead!” Rouge cried, “My nephew is missing!” 

“Silver?” She asked. 

“The killer took my nephew.” 

“No!” Blaze gasped, pulling Rouge back. She placed a dramatic hand to her forehead. The screen flickered once more, drawing everyone’s attention. Everyone’s icons flashed, until a third x had crossed over Vector’s face. Everyone snapped back to the library. All quickly pushing through each other to head back into the library. Everything was thrashed, books knocked over, shelves leaning against each other, and Vector lying beneath two bookshelves. His hand outreached out, pointing to the book. Tails approached, pulling out his magnifying glass. Vector’s finger pointed to ‘the princess’ Tails furrowed. He slowly turned to Blaze. 

“You- You're the murder!” Tails pointed at her. 

“Me?” Blaze scoffed. 

“Vector is pointing to the princess in the book. And you are the only royalty here.” 

She scoffed, “I was with you! Besides where’s Espio he was with him.” 

They looked around for the poet, but he too was nowhere to be found. Tails hummed, hitting his magnifying glass into the palm of his hand. 

“Since we all were together when Knuckles and Vector were murdered… Who wasn’t…” Tails spoke. 

“Shadow.” Rouge gasped. 

“Silver is way too timid and would cry if he had to kill someone. Yet alone his own father.” Amy shook her head. 

“Espio could, but. I doubt it as soon as we left the room, even his own father. Silver would cover for Shadow this whole time. The only way they’d be able to move through the cars with ease.” Blaze piped in, “Chaos control.” 

They all turned to the casino and headed through. All on a mission to confront the hedgehog. Slipping through the cars and into the lounge. Shadow leaned against the windowsill, watching the world pass by. He perked up to the many eyes on him, as they all spilled through. He furrowed as Rouge walked in without Silver with her. 

“Alright, the jig is up. You're the killer, where’s Silver and Espio?” Rouge huffed, “You killed Vector, Knuckles and your own husband.” 

Shadow laughed, “I haven’t left this room.” 

“Right, you just didn’t chaos control through the whole train going after everyone when our backs were turned.” Tails took her side. 

“Even if I did do that, why wouldn’t I take the kids out first? I saw that Espio and Silver are still alive, and yet I don’t have them. Silver was at my side when Sonic died, and was with you when Knuckles died.” Shadow scoffed, “Take the weakest out first. Which is what I would have done.” 

“That’s what you want us to think! You had taken the kids so they wouldn’t rat you out and hid them away somewhere. They would have trusted you to take them after you killed their parents.” 

“In which, one of you would have seen me. Even for a split second. Silver is Sonic’s child, he wouldn’t sit still for even a second, even if I told him to. Whoever took him highly respects them so would sit still for them.” 

Amy opened her mouth to say something but he had a point. Silver took that from Sonic, always on the move, even in the dire moments. Couldn’t sit still to save his life. Everyone was wracking their brains, who was the last to see anyone. 

“I think we should split up, in teams. If we find the kids we’ll find our first clues.” Tails nodded. They all nodded in agreement, besides Shadow who was just waiting for the game to be over. There was a loud thump and a creek. Everyone looked up to the vent as Silver clawed through and poked his head out. 

“Oh! Oh! I found everyone! Please help! Espio is stuck in the storage room! He helped me get into the vent so I could get help.” Silver cried.

Shadow pushed out the windowsill and reached out for the hoglet. He tumbled out and into Shadow’s arms, sighing in relief holding the pup. Silver giggled as the rest were relieved to see him, then the group left leaving Silver and Shadow alone in the lounge car. He embraced Shadow and smiled against him. Nuzzling against each other Shadow stroked through his quills. 

“I’m so glad you are alright.” Shadow sighed, “Don’t do that again!”  

“Pops! I thought I was never going to see you again.” Silver grinned. 

“Who took you? What happened?” Shadow asked. 

Silver giggled, “No one took me.” 

“But- didn’t you see who killed Knuckles? And Vector.” 

“And I saw who killed papa.” 

Amber eyes lit up, his little tail wagged as Shadow slowly put the pieces together. Silver was with Sonic, and he had to have been with Knuckles- oh. There was a swell of pride that took over him, he was so proud. Shadow was next on the list, taking out the weak links. No one would have suspected Silver alone with Shadow would get him killed. After all he was just a pup, he wouldn’t kill his parents. 

Shadow’s eyes flickered over him, “I could never be more proud of you.” 

Silver giggled as Shadow embraced him, “You are the next pops.” 

“I know, hurry get out of here before the others get you.” 

“No way pops, a good agent stays and points fingers.” 

Shadow felt his heart throb of pride. Setting Silver down he crumpled to the floor, the hoglet screamed welling his eyes up in tears. Taking Shadow’s side and balling into his quills. In a few minutes Rouge had come running into the room. Silver in hysterics crying harder onto Shadow. She cooed, stepping up to him as he turned to her and she scooped him up. He sniffled and hiccuped as Rouge blotted his face. 

“He- he escaped.” He cried pointing to the vent. 

“Oh honey who- who?” She asked. 

“Wh- What happened to the others?” Silver asked. 

“They are still trying to get Espio out.” Rouge cooed. 

“Oh.” he sniffled once more, Rouge furrowed looking at Shadow dead on the floor. Then back to Silver who smiled a smug grin. 

“You're dead then.” He patted her head.

Rouge gasped, “How- you!” 

“Shouldn’t leave the secret passages paper in your back pocket.” 

Shadow chuckled from the floor. Silver snickered as he floated back up into the vent. Everything was clicking together, Silver was the princess, the one no one would suspect to be left alone with. The way he’d escape, go missing, oh. He was Shadow’s son alright. Rouge slumped to the floor next to Shadow. Silver crawled away into the vents. Shadow had tears rolling down his cheeks and a soft smile on his lips. Rouge shut her eyes next to him. 

The door slid open as Blaze and Amy made the scene, they gasped to Rouge and Shadow dead on the floor. The screen flickered and Rouge and Shadow’s icon was crossed out. 

“We’re being hunted.” Blaze turned to Amy. 

“Hunted- who would hunt us?” Amy asked. 

“Oh- oh no we left Tails!” Blaze gasped. 

Taking Amy’s hand they ran out of the lounge bolting through the other cars and jumping between them. They reached the storage room, the door was wide open. Espio sat next to Tails, he too was now dead. They gasped, taking hands as Espio looked up at them. The screen flickered above him as Tails’ icon was crossed out. 

“Oh your back.” He smiled. 

“Espio? It was you?” Amy asked. 

“No.” he shook his head. 

“Happy birthday.” 

They slowly turned around to Silver, he held out a deck of cards. All fanned out to them, he smiled up at them holding out the cards. 

“Pick a card, any card.” Silver smiled. 

“S- Silver?” Amy gasped. 

He glanced down to his cards then back to them. Espio climbed out of the storage closet and took his side. Amy and Blaze took a card from the deck and hesitated to look at it. Blaze held the queen of diamonds, marked ‘your dead’ as Amy held the queen of hearts, marked ‘your dead’ They gasped, dropping the cards as Silver smiled, folding his cards back up. 

“You didn’t say anything about alliances.” Silver hummed, “No one would have suspected the kids to take out their own parents.” 

Silver and Espio high fived before the screen flickered and Amy and Blaze’s icon’s crossed out. The screen flashed, ‘Murder’s win’ flickering Silver and Espio’s icons. They laughed, linking arms and skipped around in a circle. The door opened shortly after as they stopped, Shadow quickly scooped up Silver and rubbed his face over him. Sonic snickered, taking his side and smiled. 

“I won!” Silver grinned at them. 

“Oh I couldn’t be prouder of you, oh my son the little murder.” Shadow beamed. 

“Shadow he is only six, I don’t think he should know how to do that.” Sonic spoke. 

“I don’t care.” 

“Can we play again?” Silver asked.

Chapter Text

Shadow was careful, always careful. Double checking over his shoulder, then pressed to a wall. Slinking down the halls, making steps as light as possible. Many treasures littered around the room, paintings, chests, gold, you name it all. But there was one thing that he wanted. Encased in a glass dome was a chaos emerald. Sitting on its stand in the far end of the room. Lights narrowed to its glimmer, letting its blinding blue color sparkle underneath. Taking slower steps to creep along the walls, getting to the corner ruby eyes perked up when it was gone. Furrowing he pinned his ears back when something ran by him. Triggered all the alarms and then turned to the figure. 

It had to have been a woman, the way her waist and curves fit into that leather outfit. Cloaking herself in all black, full on black helmet and a black cape along with her heels tapping on the floor. She taunted him with the gem tossing it up in the air and then ran out. Scoffing he followed after. Sliding under all the doors slowly shutting. Following after the cloaked figure. Breaking out a window at the end of the hall. Shadow was hot on her tail, following after but. When he reached the roof of the building, she was gone. Ruby eyes scanned the area before growling and jumping off the roof. 

“Rouge there’s someone else here, they got the emerald.” Shadow snarled. 

“Oh dear!” Rouge gasped, “I haven’t seen anyone.” 

“Keep an eye out.” 

Speeding through the streets of a foreign town, Shadow kept looking. Whoever knew about the emerald, how to get in, and beat him to it. He had to know. His guard wasn’t lowered; he should have known someone else was there with him. A shine of blue had him skid to a stop and zip back to the alleyway. She stood bouncing the emerald up and down in her hand. Looking at Shadow, but he could feel that sick smirk on her lips.

“Just who do you think you are taking my chaos emerald?” Shadow barked. 

They gave no response, pushing off the wall and slowly approached. Heels tapping against the cobblestone, Shadow raised his fists ready to fight. He wasn’t going to return empty handed. He snarled as the stranger approached and held her hands up in surrender. Holding out the chaos emerald to Shadow, ruby eyes sneered. Black leather gloves took his hand putting the emerald into his hand. He growled at her as black gloves backed off slowly backing up. 

“Who the fuck are you?” Shadow barked. 

She shook her head, crossing arms. Shadow snarled, grabbing the stranger by her throat and was seething. Before he could ask again, the stranger held out a gold ring between leather fingers. Shadow gawked, releasing her and looking to his own hand, his wedding ring was gone. Snatching it back the stranger rumbled a soft laughter under her helmet. Sliding his ring back on he glared back up at the stranger. Blowing a kiss, she then pulled out a grappling hook and launched herself up onto the roof. Shadow growled following after but when he reached the top- she… was gone. He furrowed looking around then stomped his foot. 

“And then she took my wedding ring!” Shadow growled. 

Sonic sat on the couch watching Shadow pace in the living room, he was leaning against his palm. Shadow had just returned from a mission of trying to gather all the chaos emeralds. His mission was successful but at the cost of him being toyed with- by some other thief. Oh she irritated him, whoever that prick was- Shadow would show no mercy next time. 

“Hm- Sounds like you're losing your touch.” Sonic hummed. 

“I am not!” Shadow snarled. 

Sonic chuckled, “I mean, come on. When have you met another that has been able to keep up with you other than mwah? Sounds like you had fun though.” 

“I don’t need another you.” Shadow slumped against the couch, “You are already a handful.” 

Sonic grinned curling up against him swinging his legs over his lap, “Don’t pretend you didn't have fun, I’m willing to share you with another who can out think even you- Oh great and powerful Ultimate Lifeform.” 

Shadow glared at him, “It’s you isn’t it?” 

“Yea- like I had the time to break into GUN, know the whole security system of wherever you were, take the emerald before you, and then run off and get home before you did.” Sonic rolled his eyes. 

It was far-fetched. Sonic would have been caught in GUN if he did that, he would have known about it. Sonic was a bright color and everyone would know that Sonic was there and Shadow would have been alerted immediately. Sonic clicked his tongue crawling into his lap and throwing his arms over his shoulders. 

“Seems like you are pretty pent up.” Sonic cocked his head, “Should I help you relax?” 

That wasn’t the last time Shadow saw the stranger. She soon made the news, calling herself the Dark Vandal. Leaving a small card on each thing she had taken. The Dark Vandal had always been one step ahead of Shadow. Taunting him, drawing him out and away from wherever they were. She would be the embodiment of Rouge if she held any offspring. But he never heard her voice, she’d allure him with taking and running off. Regardless if it was his, or what he was after. He started to like the chase. 

“Man that sounds so much cooler than the blue blur.” Sonic pouted. 

“You would think it was cool.” Shadow rolled his eyes shoving some of his clothes into his backpack. Sonic turned to him, folding his arms over the back of the couch. Shadow was irritated, knowing he’d run into the Dark Vandal. He growled, getting more aggressive shoving his clothes into his bag. 

“Hun.” Sonic hummed. Shadow huffed turning to him, Sonic held a soft smile on his lips tilting his head at him. He held out his hand beckoning his husband closer. Shadow did, making his way to the living room and cupped his hand to his cheek. Pressing soft kisses to his pawpad. 

“You are going to be successful on this mission, I know it.” Sonic nodded, “I’ll make dinner when you come home and- see where the night takes us then.” 

“I’d rather skip straight to dessert.” Shadow purred into his palm. 

“I guess dinner can wait then.” 

Shadow chuckled, leaning down and kissing him softly. Sonic didn’t hesitate throwing his hands into his quills deepening the kiss. Licking over the seal of his lips and nibbling at the bottom of his lip. Purring softly Shadow indulged, letting their tongues lap against each other and graze teeth against each other. Until a loud honk had Sonic jump and pull away. He pouted as Shadow huffed glaring at the door. Sonic cupped his face once more, kissing him once more and pulled back a little. 

“Be safe out there tiger.” Sonic purred. 

“Take care mouse, I’ll be home soon.” Shadow smirked. 

Kissing his forehead, Shadow turned and scooped up his bag. Sonic pinned his ears back as Shadow slipped on his shoes and opened the door. Giving a goodbye glance to Sonic he headed out the door. Loading himself up into the truck he looked out the window to Sonic in the window waving. Shadow chuckled as they drove off. And his mission had already started. 

The drive was long, at least a couple days. Rouge was with him texting away to who he assumed was Knuckles. She didn’t care about the repercussions of GUN’s strict no phone, no call, and no communication to anyone. Shadow had fallen weak to that stupid rule a few times. Especially when he’d be away from home longer than a day or so. He had someone waiting for him at home, he had been pried of someone once because of GUN he wasn’t going to let that happen again. Even if it resulted in him getting yelled at. It was well worth it. 

“I think the Dark fend is working with Eggman.” Rouge hummed, patting her phone in the palm of her hand. Shadow drew his attention to her. 

“The Dark Vandal?” Shadow scoffed, “Working with that idiot?” 

“Well, he’d be able to hack into anything. And if he got his hands on someone who can do his dirty work-” Rouge shrugged, "Imitation is the best form of flattery.” 

“You think she’s imitating you?” 

“Perhaps, I mean I do have such a charming and mysterious look.” 

Shadow rolled his eyes, turning away, “I’m beating her ass when I see her again.” 

“Oh she riles you up like your husband does.” She then gasped, putting a hand to her chest, “Perhaps have your eyes fallen for another?” 

“I’m beating your ass when I get out of this truck.” 

Rouge giggled, “I tease Shadow, I know your loyalty for blue is endless.” 

“Hmph.” 

“But could you imagine, blue in such a tight leather outfit like that?” 

“That’s it I’m beating your ass right now-” 

Rouge laughed. 

Shadow leaned over his motorcycle. Now in the heart of a different city, his eyes narrowed to the cars zipping past the street. Gun holstered to his hip, there was talk about Eggman hacking one of the trucks carrying one of the chaos emeralds. Shadow was determined to get to it first. Before that leather sticky fingered thief, oh she made his blood boil. Snarling he saw the truck and revved his engine before swerving off. Chasing the white ice cream truck, clearly being driven by one of Eggman’s robots. Shadow weaving through other cars approaching closer and closer. Until that black fend slipped to the back of the truck, she glanced over her shoulder to Shadow and wiggled her fingers at him. Pulling from her belt something and started to pick the lock. Shadow at least waited for her to unlock the door and slipped inside. Snarling, he pulled out his gun and narrowed his sights on her as she slunk inside. 

“Shadow don’t fire! I repeat do not fire.” Rouge called. 

“Why the fuck not?” Shadow barked. 

“There’s a bomb on the truck, if anything happens where you miss we’ll lose the emerald.” 

Growling he shoved his gun back into his holster, speeding up to catch up with the truck. Rouge fluttered in the air and slipped in, The Dark Vandal stood looking down at the bomb. Arms crossed as she cocked her head, Rouge took her side as she held out the white emerald. 

“Really the Dark Vandal? That’s what you came up with?” Rouge cocked a brow. 

She shrugged at Rouge, she glanced around at the ice cream truck. Then to the robot that was driving the truck, unaware of their presence. She pointed to herself then to the robot then gestured for Rouge to go away. 

“You know Shadow is just going to chase you down still.” She cocked a brow. 

She scoffed, brushing her shoulder. Rouge shook her head as there was a sharp turn, the robot sensed Shadow behind them. The vandal glanced to the floor then to Rouge, quickly she shoved her out of the truck as she tripped the tripwire. Rouge stumbled out of the truck as the Vandal was captured and wrapped up in a large cage. Shadow caught Rouge as he threw her behind him, he turned the opposite way of where the truck was going. 

“We have to go after them! She- they got her.” Rouge cried. 

“Tsk- she can handle herself.” Shadow scoffed. 

“But- Shadow we-” 

“Not my problem.” 

“S- If it was Sonic he’d go after her.” 

“I am not my husband.” 

“No, but if he found out you let her get captured, yet alone by eggman-” 

Shadow growled, sticking his foot out and turning his motorcycle and went back after the ice cream truck. Leading out of the city and into a run down factory, Shadow hid his bike into the forest around it. Rouge and him snuck around the security buzzing around the facility. Slipping to wooden crates that decorated around the facility. Rouge hacked the system to get inside as Shadow pulled his gun from his hip when a badnik was approaching. Rouge got the door open grabbing Shadow and headed inside. Creeping along the walls Rouge went up to one of the panels and started to hack it. 

“Where? Where is she?” 

Shadow grabbed Rouge and hid behind another crate. Eggman walked by rubbing his hands together, walking down the hall and making a sharp left. Shadow and Rouge glanced at each other before following after. Keeping their distance, they followed him out to the main floor of the facility. Creeping around more boxes, they spotted the Dark Vandal tied up and picking the lock behind her. Eggman made the scene and stood directly before her, blocking both Shadow and Rouge’s view of her. 

“My, my, what an honor to be graced with your presence.” Eggman rumbled. 

There was no response from her. 

“Not a talker huh? That’s fine by me. I just want a look at your face dear that’s all.” Eggman spoke. She began to thrash around as she got up, slowly backing up, to a conveniently placed sheet over a rack. Eggman laughed as he had her pinned. Ripping off her helmet, but once his eyes fell to her. He dropped her helmet letting it clatter to the floor. 

“Y-You? Wh- What?!” 

Shadow tried to get a look, but with everything in disarray he could only see the look of shock on Eggman's face. Like he saw the worst looking thing he could ever see. Shock soon melted into a sick and twisted smile holding out his hand. 

“How about a little alliance? Hm? I’ll keep your dirty little secret, if you do my dirty work- for a little while then?” Eggman grinned. 

Something about the way he was looking at her, made something in Shadow churn. Using her identity against her, just to do his dirty work. Shadow gripped tighter to his gun. There was a loud click as her chains fell from her body. 

“Would be such a shame if everyone knew what you’ve been up to, especially… Shadow.” Eggman purred. 

Shadow felt his heart drop, ruby eyes witnessing the dark hand take his. Rouge bit back a gasp catching Shadow’s hand. Eggman laughed, kicking back her helmet and she scooped it up and placed it back onto her form. 

“Oh come with me my dear, do I have plans for you.” Eggman laughed and turned on his heel. There was some hesitancy as she followed afterwards. Hands clasped into fists as she walked to the middle of the room. Suddenly she stopped glancing over her shoulder, Shadow snarled abandoning his hiding space. Rouge tried to grab him but he slipped from her fingers. He got in her face gripping the front of her jumpsuit. 

“Who the fuck are you? Why are you tied to me?” Shadow snarled. 

She turned away, having Shadow punch directly into her helmet. Shattering the visor and cracking the chin strap. She still didn’t say anything, gripping onto Shadow’s wrist on her jumpsuit. 

“Shadow- we should go.” Rouge gripped on the back of Shadow’s coat. 

“Not until I get answers.” Shadow snarled, then punched again. Suddenly alarms went off as Rouge tugged on him once more, glancing around them as doors started to seal them in. Shadow seethed, raising his fist again and landed another hit on the helmet. Snapping off the jawpiece and it clattered to the floor. He was met with a bloody smile, busted lip dripping blood down onto her suit. She held out the thing she used to pick her lock. Shadow’s eyes narrowed to the blue quill, swiping it and letting her crumple to the floor. Ruby eyes stared at her in horror. 

“Where did you get this?” Shadow asked. 

She spit on his shoes then smirked at him. Shadow only saw red, she quickly swiped at his ankles knocking the ebony hedgehog to the floor. Rising to her feet she brushed off her suit, then did a backflip as badinks swarmed the place. Ruby eyes watched her bob and weave between them all and kick a lever before grabbing onto a chain. She slipped up into the second story of the facility and slipped into the darkness. 

Sonic groaned, icing his face. Tails looked at him with disapprovement. 

“I told you running in the rain was a bad idea.” He shook his head. 

“Yea well I just- needed the air.” Sonic grinned. 

Tails grimaced at his bloody smile, luckily nothing was broken. But sure he had slipped off a ledge of the greenhill and fell flat on his face. Biting his cheek, tongue and splitting open his lip. He just had to come see his brother to make sure he’d live another day. Sonic furrowed sitting in the hospital room, I’m sure the nurses had called Shadow at this point. Oh- he was going to be yelled at for sure. They were running x-rays to make sure he wasn’t going to suffer any concussions or brain injuries. He sighed, kicking his feet against the bed. 

“Oh– Shadow I didn’t hear you come in.” Tails piped in. 

Sonic looked up to Shadow crossing his arms, dressed in his uniform. He pinned his ears back meeting the fury ruby gaze. He winced, turning away pressing the ice onto his split lip. 

“He went out running in green hill again, in the rain.” Tails shook his head. 

Shadow let out an irritated sigh and stepped up to him. Cupping his face slowly removing the ice pack from his lips. Shadow clicked his tongue looking over the damage, his cheek and gums swollen, and that fat cut in his lip had Shadow frown. 

“Are you ok?” Shadow asked. 

“Pft- you should see the other guy.” Sonic scoffed. 

“Yea the bolder he ran into.” Tails snickered. 

“I didn’t run into a bolder, I just. Anyway I’m fine. It just hurts. Oh, only a kiss can heal it better.” Sonic fluttered his eyes at him, Shadow raised a brow at him. 

“That’s not how that works.” 

“We won’t know until we try.” 

“Maybe you do have a concussion.” 

Sonic groaned, leaning into Shadow’s hands. Fluttering his eyes shut, his eyes kept to him though. Ruby eyes scanning over his wounds, it looked like he got beat up then ran into a rock. He- his gaze narrowed to him slowly removing his hand from Sonic earning his emerald gaze to flutter open to him. Shadow pulled a blue quill from the mesh of his own, Sonic smiled. 

“Awe you keep a piece of me with you.” Sonic purred. 

“N-No. I got this front he Dark Vandal, where exactly were you Sonic?” Shadow hissed. 

He rolled his eyes, “We already talked about this, I went out for a run and it started raining. I slipped and fell, besides my quills fall out everywhere. Yours too- so it wouldn’t surprise me someone’s using me against you.” 

“And yet you look like you’ve been beat up then fell.” 

“Why would I be the Dark Vandal, Shadow? I’m already yours, what's the point of you chasing me around still? I can do that at any time.” 

Shadow sighed, taking the ice from his side and placing it back on the welt on his face. Sonic hummed against him, fluttering his eyes shut. He had a point, Sonic had no reason to be running around harassing Shadow. He already did that on the daily out in the open, day or night. He took it upon himself as it was his own job. The doctors came in a few minutes later, explaining he’d be fine. Unsure how he got wounds like that from falling, but Sonic explained that he’d very creative. Shadow rolled his eyes taking him home. 

Walking hand and hand, Sonic kept the ice to his face as Shadow scooped him up. In an instant they were home. Shadow unlocked the door as Sonic groaned, the nausea washing over him from the chaos control. Chuckling softly ruby eyes kept the cobalt hedgehog stepping into their home. Frowning deeply, pressing the icepack to his cheek as Shadow brought him upstairs. Stepping through their room, Shadow slipped Sonic into their bed and set him into it, pulling off his shoes and his coat he sighed. Sonic smiled at him cupping his cheek. 

“You have to go again don’t you?” Sonic asked. 

“Duty calls. I have to find out who the Dark Vandal is- she’s tied to me somehow-” Shadow hissed. 

“Oh? How do you mean?” 

“Eggman saw her face- using her own identity against her to do his dirty work. Seems he’d tell everyone if she didn’t follow through with his plans, and would be a shame if I found out…” 

Sonic scoffed, turning away, “He would do something sick and twisted like that- I mean he could have said that to get under your skin- You know the old man, trying to pick a fight with you with literally anything.” 

“This could be true.” Shadow leaned forward drawing Sonic’s attention back to him, “Or you are trying to throw the scent off.” 

“Be suspicious of me all you want, as long as I have your attention that’s all I care about.” 

Shadow groaned, getting up, Sonic snickered into his palm with a soft smile. Ruby eyes fell to him, reading over his figure and flicking his ear. Peach lips pulled into a smirk and settled back against his pillows. 

“Yea- just like that.” sonic purred. 

“You could get off by anything at this point.” Shadow scoffed. 

“Can’t help it, when you have a smoking hot husband nothing else works anymore.” 

“You're ridiculous.” 

“Gimmie a kiss and maybe I’ll let you go back to work.” 

“Oh is that so?” 

“Afterall I am your number one distraction.” Sonic pressed a hand to his chest. 

“You are not.” 

“Then why are you still here?” Sonic leaned forward, having Shadow’s ears pin back. Hook, line, sinker, Shadow the Hedgehog had been distracted once again by our own blue hero. Sonic crawled out of bed to prop his arms up against the side of bed. Looking up at Shadow with a smug grin on his lips. With a disgruntled sigh Shadow leaned in and kissed him softly. As delicate as he could, not to break open the healing wounds Sonic bared. But when Sonic opened his eyes, Shadow was gone. Back to work. There was a soft vibrate moments later, drawing emerald eyes to the nightstand drawer. 

Shadow stepped into GUN, agents bustling about as he weaved through them. Heading through a set of winding stairs up to the second floor, he caught Rouge talking to someone on the phone. Shadow ducked behind a corner as Rouge paced and groaned in irritance. 

“Are you serious?” She scoffed, “Tonight? Shadow isn’t even back yet-” 

“Yes yes, I will tell him. We’ll catch up hun, see you soon.” 

Once Rouge hung up Shadow made his presence known, she turned to him with a soft smile. 

“Shadow, good news! It seems the Dark Vandal wants an alliance. She’s going to tell us all what Eggman is up to, so we’ll be able to get there before he does!” She grinned. 

“How can we trust her– She’s been there before us anyway-” Shadow snarled. 

“You would know what it’s like to be working for Eggman, especially if he has something of hers. Her own freedom.” 

Shadow scoffed, crossing his arms, “Fine.” 

He let out an irritated sigh glancing back to Rouge texting on her phone. 

“Is that who you were on the phone with?” Shadow asked. 

“Why?” Rouge asked. 

“I- I’m- just-” 

“Oh she’s totally your type. Mysterious, bold- I mean she's got such a nice bo-” 

“That’s not what I was asking!” 

“She sounds nice, she said she’d meet us at the lighthouse. So let's hurry.” 

Shadow nodded, the two headed down the hall to be redressed in their stealth suits. Loading himself up with extra guns in case they were double crossed. Then left going down an elevator to the garage. Shadow’s bike sat clean, washed and ready for him. He purred, approaching, Shadow climbed on as Rouge rolled her eyes as the doors slid open and Shadow was quick to turn on his engine and speed off. Rouge fluttered behind him as they rode out of the facility and into town. Taking the long way around, they drove through the forest. Making a sharp turn up a hill, Shadow followed the dirt road up to the lighthouse. And there she was, leaning against her own motorbike, new helmet and an entirely new suit with her cape fluttering behind her. Holstering a gun to her hip and drawing her attention to the two that made the scene. Rouge fluttered before her and they shook hands, she reached under her helmet and pulled out a flashdrive. 

“For mwah? Oh you shouldn’t have.” Rouge purred, taking it. Shadow frowned, turning off his bike and climbing off. 

“How can we trust you?” Shadow barked. 

She shrugged, crossing her arms, Shadow didn’t like that answer. Snarling, he approached and pinned her to her own bike. Rouge smirked, turning away to start processing the information. The Dark Vandal patted his cheek and cocked her head. 

“If this is some kind of trap, I will personally take your last breath.” Shadow hissed. 

She rumbled a soft chuckle, flicking a gold band between her fingers. Shadow swiped his wedding band back and slipped it back onto his hand. 

“You be careful Shadow, she might like that.” Rouge purred over her shoulder. 

He rolled his eyes, as Rouge was typing away at her computer. The Dark Vandal put a hand to Shadow’s chest and slowly pressed him backwards, drawing the dark hedgehog off her and glaring into the visor of her helmet. Drawing her hand up and to his shoulder she began to walk around him. Ruby eyes kept to her as she made careful steps circling him. There was a loud buzz and spark earning their attention to Rouge. 

“Uh- We might have a problem.” Rouge said. In an instant they were surrounded, Eggman laughed floating down in his hovercraft. 

“Well, well, well. What do you think you are doing?” Eggman grinned leaning over. The Dark Vandal stepped out crossing her arms. 

“Right, you don’t talk- would be such a shame to let your little secret got out- wouldn’t it?” 

Scoffing she turned back to Shadow, pointing at him, then back at herself then to Eggman. She held out her hand, Shadow furrowed before taking it and swung her around himself and launched her up into the air. Pulling out her gun she fired at a few of the bots that came at her. Then barreled through and landed on Eggman’s hovercraft. Shadow just watched in awe, punching through his control panel and pulling out the cords. 

“Wa- Wait!” Eggman cried. 

In an instant the thing exploded, Shadow went to Rouge holding her close as fire and the eruption behind them. Pulling back they looked to the damage, Eggman lying on the grass with fire spreading around him. Bots soon falling out of the sky to clatter to the ground around them. Shadow’s eyes not meeting the Dark Vandal. 

“Shadow we have to go.” Rouge pulled at him. 

“She- where did she go?” Shadow asked. 

“I’m sure she got out just fine, we should go.” 

Shadow didn’t listen, running out into the fire. Weaving through the flames that licked up the grass below. Pushing over the mechanical rubble, and no sign of the vandal. Shadow kept his search. But there- just under the hovercraft she lied. A muffled cry as she tried to pry herself free. Shadow was there in an instant, pushing the hovercraft off her. 

“Shadow just go!” 

He perked up, turning to the cloaked figure. Digging fingers into the ground and trying to pull herself free. 

“You have a loving husband to get back home to- go home Shadow.” 

That- wasn’t a feminine voice. It was deep, rough, cracking as if a few ribs had been broken. There was another explosion that erupted behind him. Shadow growled shoving the hovercraft off, at least enough to let him slide free. He climbed out and slumped against the grass. 

“Who are you.” Shadow asked. 

“Don’t make me do it- please.” He pleaded. 

Shadow pulled out his gun and pointed it to him, “Reveal yourself, I won’t have me be a weak link to you.” 

He gave a breathless laugh, “You always have been. Just go home.” 

“And leave you here to die, I don’t think so-” 

He stumbled up holding his side, “And you’ll die if you keep standing here, what about your husband huh? Your stubbornness let you die because you wanted to see my face.” 

Shadow pulled the hammer of his gun, “I won’t ask again.” 

The Vandal whined, hissing to reach for his helmet. Unlatching it from his head and slowly pulling it off. Cobalt quills fell behind him as Shadow was met with emerald eyes. His eyes widened as Sonic turned away, holding his side he frowned. 

“W- You? The whole time? I- Why would you do this?” Shadow snarled. 

“It was fun.” Sonic shrugged, “I mean, come on Shadow- you’ve been having fun chasing me again.” 

“You lied to me?” 

“No- No I never said I wasn’t the Dark Vandal- I just… never answered your question.” 

“And how were you going to explain this to me when I got another call from the hospital?” 

Sonic shrugged again, he winced once more, before his eyes rolled back into his head and crumpled to the floor. Shadow snarled, flicking back the hammer and scooped up Sonic, replacing his helmet back onto his head he teleported out of the fire. Rouge stood, hands clasped searching for them as Shadow stepped out. Sighing in relief she pressed a hand to her chest. 

“Oh good you-” 

“Not- a word.” Shadow hissed, “Get on his bike, I’m taking him to the hospital.” 

“Him?” Rouge asked. 

“My husband.” 

She pinned her ears back as Shadow climbed onto his bike and was gone moments later. 

Sonic groaned, waking up, fluttering his eyes open he was met with angry crimson. Shadow stood crossing his arms having Sonic give a sheepish smile and raised his hands in surrender- well to the best of his ability. His right wrist was handcuffed to the bed. 

“Are you kidding? What’s this for?” Sonic whined. 

“You know exactly what it’s for- You better start talking.” Shadow hissed. 

“I already told you everything!” 

“Why the fuck are you running around and hacking into GUN then?” 

“I didn’t hack anything- you know I can’t do that. I just… had an inside guy.” 

“Rouge.” 

“Look if you're going to be mad at anyone be mad at me, It was my idea.” 

“And look where you ended up.”

Sonic huffed, turning away, “I just wanted some adventure again, working side by side.” 

Shadow sighed sitting next to him on the bed, “Sonic.” 

His emerald gaze returned to him, “I mean come on Shadow! Don’t act like you didn’t have any fun too, the thrill of chasing each other, beating the absolute snot out of each other- I” 

Shadow’s eyes widened, he forgot. He forgot that he was the one that inflicted those wounds on him. It was his own fault that Sonic had that busted lip and swollen gums. 

“Shadow, don’t go beating yourself up. It was like old times, you and I. Yea? I mean I’ve been able to sneak by you each and every time. I am quite flattered that you can’t sense me anymore since your guard is always down to me.” Sonic took his hand. 

“Is this the life you want then?” Shadow asked. 

“It’s fun… being a little thief.” Sonic hummed. Shadow chuckled, leaning in and kissing his forehead. Sonic purred, squeezing his hand. 

“If this is the life you want to live, I will support you. But I won’t come saving you every time.” Shadow cocked a brow. 

“You say that, and yet- you still came after me anyway.” Sonic stuck his tongue out at him, “Don’t act like you didn’t find me sexy in that little outfit.” 

“And if I were to lie?” 

“I guess I’ll have to find something else to get you all riled up again.” 

“You don’t need little outfits to do that.” 

Sonic purred leaning in, “No, but I think there’s some satisfaction in you.. Ripping them off.” 

For a split second, there was a wild unhinged gleam in Shadow’s eyes. Sonic’s lips pulled into a smug smirk.